# Hemp-Covered Homes This Home Relies on a Layer of Hemp to Keep the Structure Warm By Katherine Pendrill | Published 2015-10-27 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/layer-of-hemp References: [dezeen](http://www.dezeen.com/2015/10/27/martens-van-caimere-architecten-hempcrete-hemp-render-striated-skin-renovated-house-belgium/) & [mvc-architecten.be](http://www.mvc-architecten.be/) 'Martens Van Caimere Architecten' designed a contemporary home that relies on a layer of hemp to provide insulation. Although hemp has many uses, the plant is not usually associated with construction. This home uses hemp to not only retain heat, but to also protect the structure from the elements. The [hemp-covered home is located in Belgium](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/he-winter-garden), where older buildings are expensive to insulate. This home features a unique form of insulation that is more sustainable and economical than traditional building materials. The [plant-based insulation](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rooted-potential) is called 'hempcrete,' and it is a mixture of hemp, lime and water. The hemp-based render is applied to each wall of the home in thick layers, which helps the house retain heat and combat the elements. By coating the home in a layer of hemp, the architects managed to provide a [sustainable form of insulation](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/casa-la-escocesa). ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.8/10 - Popularity: 64% | Activity: 43% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) > [Eco Architecture](https://www.trendhunter.com/ecoarchitecture) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Hemp as Insulation:** Using hemp as insulation provides a sustainable and economical alternative to traditional building materials. - **Hempcrete:** Hempcrete, a mixture of hemp, lime, and water, offers an innovative plant-based insulation solution for structures. - **Sustainable Construction:** The use of hemp as a construction material showcases the trend towards sustainable and eco-friendly building practices. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Construction Materials:** The construction materials industry can explore the potential of hemp as a viable insulation alternative. - **Green Building:** The green building industry can capitalize on the growing trend of using hempcrete for sustainable construction projects. - **Innovative Insulation:** The insulation industry can benefit from developing and offering hempcrete as a disruptive and eco-friendly insulation solution. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Hempcrete-Accented Patchwork Facades](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/patchwork-facade.md) - [Hempcrete Garden Office Studios](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/garden-office-1.md) - [Textured Modern House Extensions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hemp-house.md) - [Cob Building Revivals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cobbauge-house.md) - [Sustainable Hemp Bedding](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/casa-parini.md) - [Pigsty-Converted Farmside Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-recipe-house.md) - [Eco‑tiny Sanctuarys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tign-tiny-homes.md) - [Sheep Wool-Insulated Guest Houses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/casa-la-escocesa.md) - [Plant-Based Steel Rebar Alternatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hemp-rebar.md)